smog
SMOG
/smɒɡ/
A heavy haze of fog combined with industrial smoke and atmospheric pollutants, causing hazardous respiratory conditions.
Differs from natural fog because it is driven by human pollutants and sunlight-driven chemical reactions.
The story behind the word. Coined in 1905 by Dr. Henry Antoine Des Voeux at a public health congress in London to describe the soot-laden winter atmospheric conditions choking British cities. The word blends 'smoke' and 'fog' into one memorable portmanteau.
Word relationships
- haze: 'Haze' is a light atmospheric obscuration caused by dust or heat; 'smog' is specifically polluted, smoky fog.
- clear air: Clear air indicates high visibility free of suspended pollutants and fog.
Commonly confused with
- fog: Fog is pure condensed water vapor; smog contains toxic soot, sulfur, or photochemical ozone.
Word family
- smoggy (adjective): Characterized by or filled with smog.
Collocations
- dense smog
- photochemical smog
- smog alert
- blanket of smog
Example sentences
- "The London smog of December 1952 caused thousands of premature deaths and prompted immediate legislative action." Historical Environmental Crisis
- "Surrounding mountain ranges prevent ocean breezes from blowing away the dense smog hovering over the basin." Urban Geography
Memory hook
SMoke + fOG = SMOG. Smog = Smoke blended with fog.
When not to use
Do not use for clean moisture mist in a forest or mountain valley.
Fun facts
- Photochemical smog was first recognized in Los Angeles in the 1940s, caused by sunlight reacting with car exhaust fumes.
Related words
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